[Midwestern Energy News] A new state “community power” mapping tool released this month gives policymakers and activists a national scorecard on state and local clean energy initiatives.

John Farrell of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance developed the map to showcase the link between what his group regards as good state energy policy and the number of community energy projects and renewable policies now underway…

The map also offers a state community power score based on a complex metric of attributes, among them net metering, community solar, state and utility tariffs for renewables, residential building codes, Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing and renewable portfolio standards…

Community choice aggregation, which allows communities to select energy providers, was also included in the list.

The map also details community groups planning for a cleaner energy future and cities which have made a commitment to obtain 100 percent renewable energy.

The map shows few surprises, with states such as New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts and Vermont having strong connections between policies and large numbers of projects. They have a state community power score of 28 or higher.